The entertainment industry is grieving over the death of Katherine Hartley Short, the eldest daughter of the now-legendary comedian and Only Murders in the Building star Martin Short. Katherine was found dead at her Hollywood Hills residence on the evening of Monday, February 23, 2026, according to official records from the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner.
The official report, certified by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD), reported that the cause of death was a gunshot wound to the head and the manner of death confirmed as suicide.
A Devastating Loss for the Short Family
The news was confirmed through a statement released by a representative representing the Short family, noting their “profound grief.” The Short family is distraught over this loss and seeks privacy during this time. Katherine has been “beloved by all and will be remembered for the light and joy she brought into the world,” the statement read. Katherine was born the eldest of three children adopted by Martin Short and his late wife, Canadian actress Nancy Dolman.
This tragedy represents another painful era for the actor who lost his wife to ovarian cancer in 2010 after 30 years of marriage. Katherine is survived by both her father and her two brothers, Oliver and Henry.
Looking back on Katherine’s trajectory
While her father devoted his life to fame, Katherine entered a career driven by her mission to help others. She was an esteemed licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) who served on the national community, and deeply dedicated to mental health advocacy.
- Education: She received her bachelor’s degree from New York University in 2006 and a master’s degree in social work from the University of Southern California in 2010.
- Her Professional Career: Katherine worked in a private practice and supported organizations like Bring Change to Mind that was founded by Glenn Close and advocates for mental health education.
- Legacy: Friends and colleagues calling her a “thoughtful, warm, and deeply compassionate” individual who helped vulnerable people throughout her life.
After the tragedy, Martin Short plans on delaying his comedy tour dates with longtime colleague Steve Martin. “The Best of Steve Martin and Martin Short” performances, set for this weekend in Milwaukee and Minneapolis, will be rescheduled for a later date as the actor takes time to mourn with his family.
